NEWS, 18th February 2011
> KING KOBRA BACK WITH VENOMOUS NEW ALBUM
Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the Self-Titled come back album from KING KOBRA on April 15th in Europe and May 5th in North America.
Formed in 1984 by legendary drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne), Los Angeles heavy metal outfit King Kobra recorded two critically acclaimed albums for Capitol Records – the 1985 release 'Ready to Strike' and 1986's 'Thrill of a Lifetime'.
Along with Carmine, the band featured four relatively unknown musicians at the time – David Michael-Philips and Mick Sweda on guitar, Johnny Rod on bass and Mark Free on lead vocals. King Kobra toured the U.S., Canada, Europe and Mexico playing shows with Kiss, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Ted Nugent, Queensryche and Autograph.
The band was featured regularly on MTV and performed the theme song for the #1 1986 motion picture "Iron Eagle". After disbanding in 1988, each member continued his career in other successful major-label groups - Carmine to Blue Murder (Geffen), Mark Free to Unruly Child (Interscope), Mick Sweda to the BulletBoys (Warner Bros.), Johnny Rod to W.A.S.P. (Capitol/EMI) and David Michael-Philips to Lizzy Borden (Metal Blade).
The year 2010 saw the band reunite the original classic '85 lineup, replacing original singer Mark Free (now Marcie Free) with veteran lead vocalist Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot). “This album captures all the great points we had in the 80's, but better” says Carmine Appice “The music is more traditional King Kobra music. Great lyrics, kick ass songs with cool hooks and really good playing. A really great hard rock/metal record with lots of energy”. David Michael-Phillips adds “It truly is an all-star album. Paul Shortino is amazing! I can honestly say he is one of the best vocalists in the business along with being one of the nicest and most generous people I have ever met”.
The band is planning to get on some targeted American and European summer festivals this year. Watch out: King Kobra is smokin' hot, back stronger than ever and "Ready to Strike" once again!
The new album “King Kobra” will include the following tracks: Rock This House, Turn Up The Good (Times), Live Forever, Tear Down The Walls, This Is How We Roll, Midnight Woman, We Got A Fever, Tope Of The World, You Make It Easy, Cryin' Turns To Rain, Screamin' For More, Fade Away
http://www.myspace.com/officialkingkobra
> NECRONAUT MAKE ONE-OFF APPEARANCE AT SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL
Necronaut is no ordinary project. When the celebrated, eponymous debut album was released this past autumn, Swedish daily paper Expressen wrote: "if Dave Grohl had dared getting his hands dirty, Probot could have turned out as well as former Dismember drummer Fred Estbys solo project". Death metal veteran Fred Estby has gathered some of Sweden's hardest, most uncompromising musicians for a unique appearance at Sweden Rock Festival. According to the band leader, this may very well be Necronaut's only public concert ever. He also promises that the all-star line-up will deliver not only Necronaut material, but also some other brutal surprises.
Musicians confirmed so far:
Fred Estby (ex-Dismember)
Nicke Andersson (Imperial State Electric, ex-Hellacopters, ex-Entombed)
Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg (At The Gates)
Erik Danielsson (Watain)
Tyrant (Nifelheim)
Hellbutcher (Nifelheim)
Janne "JB" Christoffersson (Grand Magus)
Andreas "Drette" Axelsson (Tormented, ex-Edge Of Sanity)
David Blomqvist (Dismember)
Tobias Christiansson (Dismember, Grave)
Robert Pehrsson (Dundertåget, Deathbreath)
> MYSTIC PROPHECY ENTERING STUDIO AGAIN
Greek /German heavy metallers MYSTIC PROPHECY are entering the studio once more. For the coming months MYSTIC PROPHECY will be recording their 7th studio album entitled RavenLord. This is going to be their first release with their new drummer Claudio Sisto who joined MYSTIC PROPHECY in June 2010. Raven lord will be released on October 28th 2011 through Massacre records. During the same period the band is planning on touring and hitting most festival stages around Europe.
Recordings will take place in Prophecy Music Factory studios (http://www.myspace.com/musicfactory_prophecy) and production duties will be handled by R.D. Liapakis (MYSTIC PROPHECY,SUICIDAL ANGELS,VALLEYS EVE, INSIDEAD and more ) with the rest of the band. There will be 11 songs on the album. Artwork will be delivered by Jonas Kawalek who has worked again with the band in the past for their 5th album Satanic Curses.
Commenting on the creative process of the new album the band main man R.D. Liapakis stated "Mystic Prophecy is now more than ever in a turning point in their history. Fireangel overcame our expectations and our fans have shown us their support in the best possible way. The tour we did with STRATOVARIOUS gave the band the chance to get a very good sense of unity and groove which is generated by every member contributing to whole which finally is presented to the fans. This is what will make a difference in our upcoming album. The feeling of unity, amongst us, enhances the effect we bring out. More power, more feeling, more combined ideas, more diversity, but all in the thread that goes through it all which is MYSTIC PROPHECY. Two minds work better than one, so imagine all five of us contributing equally to the final result. I am confident that we'll do our best to express what's in our souls and hope the fans like it. Up till now we seem to have a common ground so this album will only enforce this bond with our fans and help us create new ones."
http://www.mysticprophecy.net/
> AFTER ME, THE FLOOD
Halfwest Management is proud to welcome After Me, The Flood, a five-piece melodic metal/hardcore band from Warner Robins, Georgia. It is clear to see that through their music and lyrics, this group of young men is passionate about what they do, and they do it well. Having just released an EP in late 2010, AMTF is ready to share their inspiring music with the world and are full speed ahead at working hard and doing what it takes to earn their well-deserved recognition.
http://www.myspace.com/aftermethefloodga
> BLINDEAD
Affliction XXIX II MXMVI’ is the third album from Blindead, the brainchild of ex-Behemoth guitarist Mateusz ‘Havoc’ Smierzchalski.
Blindead formed in 1999 for initially nothing more of a bit of fun for bassist Michal Zimorski and guitarist Mateusz ‘Havoc’ Smierzchalski. In time though Blindead become more and more serious and after several line up changes the band signed a deal with Empire Records. Their first album ‘Devouring Weakness’ was released in 2006 receiving acclaim from fans and media alike.
Their second album ‘Autoscopia/Murder In Phazes’ was released in 2008 on Deadline Records. Critically acclaimed across Europe and supported by a European tour as well as support slots with Neurosis Blindead without doubt were creating some special.
During 2009 the band undertook shows in Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Hungary.
In 2010 the band signed to Mystic Production for the release of ‘Affliction XXIX II MXMVI’, their third and most complex and melodic album to date. Containing seven original recordings ‘Affliction XXIX II MXMVI’ is a concept album telling the story of an autistic girl.
Track listing: 1. Self-consciousness is desire and 2. after 38 weeks 3. my new playground became 4. dark and gray 5. so it feels like misunderstanding when 6. all my hopes and dreams turn in to 7. Affliction XXVII II MMIX
"...post metal, sludge tributes is often a little unfair. Blindead play progressive metal! Indeed, with its roots somewhere in the likes of Neurotics or Isis, however packed with so many unconventional ideas that we can talk about a new quality. Thick DigiBook with suitably dark graphics, sulphurous riffs an ominous growl with respect for rock tradition and a bold use of electronics. All this and more can be found on ‘Affliction XXIX II MXMVI’, best of all - the opposite parts do detract from each other, but merge into an immersive paranoia. If you want to go crazy in good company Blindead would be your company, right? My rating: 4.5 / 5."- Progressive rock.org.com
"The key to understanding the concept behind the album is the songs tell a story about a girl suffering from a mental illness. The opening track tells us of her conception, through the miracle of birth and onward to hell. The album familiarise us with fears and thoughts of anxiety. The journey continues to ill-treatment by parents and onward to the girl slipping into madness. This CD made to be listened to in its entirety, it can’t be understood in isolation. Patryk's poetry is steeped with sadness, anger and feelings of the child's all-encompassing emptiness, helplessness and loneliness. The music creates the perfect mood to accompany the lyrical content of the album. There is not one filler on this album." - Doomsmoker.com
"An uncompromisingly, beautiful album, suggesting that Blindead are to be reckoned with... " - Audio
http://www.myspace.com/blindead
> ULCER ARTWORK AND TRACK LISTING
Polish death metallers ULCER, who recently joined Pulverised Records' crushing roster, are pleased to unveil the track-listing and cover art to their upcoming full-length, Grant Us Death. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Grzegorz Kulawiak at Sinquest Sound Studio in Lublin, Poland, the ten-track full-length features the stark but striking cover art of Bartlomiej Kurzok with a layout conceptualized by ULCER frontman D. (aka Sonneillon).
Grant Us Death Track Listing: 01. Grant Us Death 02. Devilspeed 03. Bloodpainted Salvation 04. The Love Song 05. Godcremation 06. Thanatoeuphoria 07. Devitalized 08. The Pact 09. My Lord Has Horns 10. When Horror Comes
Formed in 2006, the young ULCER consists of past and present members from Blaze Of Perdition, Squashed Bowels, Deivos and Abusiveness. The band recorded two demos in 2006 and a debut full-length album entitled Serpent Trinity in 2007.
To check out a preview of "The Love Song," the fourth track off Grant Us Death, visit the ULCER's official MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/ulcerdeathmetal or http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords.
> ANIMATIONS PRESENT NEW VIDEO
"Slowly Die Inside" is the title od new single from upcoming 3rd album by progressive metal band Animations. The song was recorded at Sonic Maze Studios in December 2010. Mixing duties were handled by Kuba Dębski, mastering was done by Grzegorz Piwkowski (Riverside & Behemoth among others) at Warsaw's High End Audio. The band is finishing pre-production phase of new album which will be released late spring/early summer 2011 - c.a. 18 months after the releases od highly acclaimed "Reset Your Soul".
Kuba Dębski, band's guitar player comments: "When it comes to the style and arrangements, "Slowly Die Inside", definitely underlines the musical direction we took during composing the follow-up to "Reset Your Soul". It will be heavy yet melodic and everything will be based on really solid groove". Videoclip which was recorded in Katowice and Jaworzno during last week of January 2011 and perfectly reflects the dark side presented in lyrics.
Animations, originating from Jaworzno near Katowice (PL), one of the most talented young bands from Poland, has released last year it’s second album “Reset Your Soul”. This five-piece progressive metal outfit after debuting in 2007 with instrumental self-titled album that amazed all fans of fusion/prog metal, were joined by Darek Bartosiewicz, one of few singers who could equal the level of musicianship with his amazing vocals. With Darek in the line-up, Animations prepared second album “Reset Your Soul” which was released in Poland at the end of 2009 and in Europe later on by Sonic Maze Records.
http://www.myspace.com/animationsofficial
http://www.facebook.com/animationsofficial
> NEW EP IS A BAD SIGN
Melodic rockers Bad Sign have announced that their brand new EP Exit will be released on May 2nd via Bangers, Clive!
Drawing on a range of influences from Led Zeppelin, to Muse via Every Time I Die, the inspiration behind the EP is one of escapism. For Bad Sign, their lyrics and music reflect their own highs, lows, and moments both great and bad. They choose to turn this into something positive, the result being "Exit".
Talking of the release, vocalist and bassist Joe Appleford said: As a whole we are really pleased with how these tracks have come out and working with Neil Kennedy at The Ranch, Southampton was a real pleasure. He put up no boundaries as to what we could do in the studio, getting all the right sounds, and knew exactly what we were after with the blend of a big stadium sound and dirty riffs. We believe there truly is something for everyone on this EP. We can’t wait to get out and tour it now across the UK & Europe. We are ready to prove that we are a live band that can back up what we do in the studio and don't fear sharing a stage with anyone.
http://www.myspace.com/badsignband
http://www.facebook.com/badsignband
> ACCEPT TO SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER
The legends who put German heavy metal - as opposed to hard rock - on the world map. Accept released their modest debut in 1979, and broke through in 1981 with the "Breaker"-album and a praised tour with Judas Priest. Subsequent releases like "Restless and Wild" (1982) and "Balls of the Wall" (1983) officially elevated Accept to the echelons of metal. Essential factors were the ultra-heavy sound, the classically inspired guitar playing and, not least, Udo Dirkschneider - equally original as a singer and a front man.
In 1987, Udo left Accept to create U.D.O. He returned to Accept in 1992-96, after which the band dissolved. 2005 saw a temporary comeback, including an appearance at SRF, but Udo was adamant that if Accept wanted to make a full-scale comeback, they would have to do it without him. This they did. In 2010, Accept released their first album with their new American vocalist Mark Tornillo (ex-TT Quick), "Blood of the Nations". The record was a great success, and Accept now return to SRF as a band in triumph.
> XISFOREYES NEW RECORD & FURTHER TOURING IN THE PIPELINE
Highly rated Northern Extremists ‘XisForEyes’ spit out their greatly anticipated new EP ‘Insidious Existentialism', out on 25th April through all good outlets.
Since their formation in 2007, Newcastle's XisForEyes have destroyed stages across the UK with their face-melting concoction of modern deathcore laced with eerie black metal choirs and the band's own twisted sense of humour.
The innovative Deathcore crew originally found their feet playing a host of sweat-drenched hardcore shows in the vicinity of Newcastle. Their early shows involved a certain amount of theatrics, all the way from wrestling to trampolining. Although such ‘horseplay’ managed to ban the playful upstarts from several venues due to property damage, they did provide audiences with a clear illustration of their abundant enthusiasm and great sense of fun. With a host of varied influences mapping from Deftones to Cradle of Filth and Cannibal Corpse, the progressive fivesome strive to etch an individual approach on an increasingly stigmatized genre. They take their musical output seriously, yet still thrive on humour and ballsy originality.
After the release of their debut demo, the metal scamps caught the eye of hip underground metal label Foot And Mouth Records who served up their highly acclaimed EP 'Absolute Corporeal Besmirchment' at the end of 2008. Critical acclaim and genuine support followed with the likes of Metal Hammer and Terrorizer heavily backing the Northern quintet. The band also marked their stamp on the nation’s highways, playing a cluster of fleapits as far afield as Scotland through to the depths of the Midlands, and supporting the likes of Trigger The Bloodshed, Sylosis, The Casino Brawl, Viatrophy, Bleed From Within, Eternal Lord, Martyr Defiled, Romeo Must Die, Lavotchkin and The Arusha Accord along the way.
XisForEyes reach new heights in the shape of their brand new EP ‘Insidious Existentialism', which is a sheer beast of a record. From the highly intriguing beginnings of ‘The Sermon”, through to the blistering conclusion of the colossal ‘Crow Road’, it’s a truly killer record that has enough intensity and unbridled power and precision to level an apartment block. There’s nothing stopping XisForEyes from earning a prominent place within the UK Metal hierarchy. Watch this space!
http://www.myspace.com/ukxisforeyes
> FROM A CITY IN RUINS SERVE UP DELECTABLE DEBUT
Born out of the depleted industrial area of Grimsby, Lincs, From A City In Ruins stride forward with their mouthwatering mix of razor sharp and dynamic Alt-Rock. Brimming with raw passion and boundless energy, the youthful upstarts continue their ascent with a cluster of UK shows and the release of their debut single ‘ Fin, Fin, Fin’, out Monday 4th April 201l.
With a flurry of influences ranging from the edgy post-hardcore sounds of Refused through to the atmospherics and artsy cool of Joy Division and The Cure, From A City Ruins have amassed a riveting sound that is laced with innovate ideas, peppered with hooky riffs and perfectly complimented by jagged guitars and off-kilter phrasing. The alt-rockers have locked their absorbing sound down to tape and it’s ideally showcased on their debut single “Fin! Fin! Fin!” which is also backed by the quite fantastical “Introverts”. With a full length album in the works and further touring in the pipeline, everything is slipping into place for the northern upstarts. FACIR have already racked up an impressive 200 plus shows during the past two years, including dates with the likes of We Are The Ocean, Flood Of Red, Exit Ten, Not Advised, Deaf Havana, and This City, to name a few. With an increasing fanbase, further UK and European shows scheduled throughout 2011, with broad underground support already garnered, and having been touted by Rocksound Magazine as ones to watch, it’s evident that this industrious quartet show no signs of letting up!
http://www.myspace.com/fromacityinruins
